Original subtitles

Morning, Sarge. Morning, Mum.

You got the message, then?

Yes. I saw it last night.

Evening out.

It's all constant, my son.

Go all right?

You like that sort of thing?

I need that note on my doormat rather than support my evening.

I bet.

Late -term CID contacted all your witnesses for you.

Oh, goodness for that. With one exception.

John Henderson.

That's right.

Nowhere to find him.

The only one who does is the one Harry Brewster duffed up.

And he's got guts enough to stand up in court and say so? Well, there are still

some heroes left, even these days.

Still, I've got him in hiding until he's needed.

Got any idea of the DCI tied up at the moment?

I don't know.

But I wouldn't be surprised if he's expecting a visit from you.

Wouldn't you?

Hard luck.

I can say that again.

Still, it'll be a nice restful day for you, hanging about in court.

Come.

Pull up a chair.

It's hard luck, Maggie.

Oh, that's what they're all saying. Well, we don't run the courts, do we?

Day of all days.

Yeah, I know. Two cases brought forward that I expected to give evidence in

tomorrow, not today.

Happens. It might happen, but I don't have to like it.

You know, sir, I might still make it. For the briefing? Yes, I'm sure I could.

You can't be. Not when you're in court. Well, as sure as I can be of anything.

All right, convince me.

Bert Prendergast on first, right?

Well, he'll plead.

He'll make history if he does.

He's got to, hasn't he? If he's got any sense.

Remember? We caught him backing his car out of the garage to go off for the

weekend, and the boot was crammed full of gear from his last break -in, and it

wasn't even his car.

So he's up on two counts, receiving and nicking the car. Yes.

Right. Nicking the car, he might plead, but the gear, no way. I'm terribly

sorry, Your Honour. I admit I knocked off the car, but how was I to know there

was all this gear in the boot?

Yes, but they'd put their lovelies on top of it. Him and his girlfriend.

He didn't want anything in the back seat in case it crushed her mink.

Yeah, well, he might find it a bit difficult talking his way out of that

All right, you've convinced me. Thanks, sir.

Of the possibility that you might get an early finish with Prendergast. Now,

what about Brewster? I should be out of the box about an hour after that starts.

And released?

Why not?

Well, that all depends on counsel.

Counsel is Simon Fox.

So? I can flutter my eyelashes at him.

We'll talk about equality of the sexes. To be here for that brief affair, I'd do

anything. Do you want me to tell Simon that? It's still at 11 .30, right? On

dock. I'll be here.

Maybe.

So you know what I went through for that art job.

I know.

It's mine.

No such word, Maggie. Not round here. You know that. I got the pip off from my

own courses. I cracked down every one of those villas. I even found out they

were warehousing the stuff. Yes, I know.

It'd be Bob Croft, wouldn't it?

I mean, he'd take over if I couldn't make it.

It all depends upon availability.

Now, you know that. Oh, Bob Croft would make himself available, even if he has

to murder the commissioner.

We've got to cover ourselves. Now, if you're not here, in this office, 11

Would the war come to an end if I was five minutes late?

I can stretch it a bit. I know what it means to you, but not too far.

I'm not promising anything. No idea.

Maggie, one thing.

Now... I know this art job could mean a lot of kudos for you, but if your

evidence puts H. Brewster behind bars before he murdered someone, you could

yourself a medal.

I'll remember that.

Oh, Croft, there.

Put him on, would you?

Oh, oh, my God. Mr Henderson, Maggie Forbes.

Look, Miss Henderson, I'm afraid that your case has been brought on a day in.

Yes, well, it does sometimes happen with the court. Somebody decides to plead

guilty after all and everything else is moved forward.

Look, I have a car on the way to pick you up. Can you be ready in time?

No, no, no, believe me, Miss Henson, you've got nothing to worry about.

No, no, no, no, he can't touch you in court.

Well, after today, he'll be put away for years.

Yes, yes, of course, I'm sure.

Once the jury's heard your evidence.

Yes. Thank you, Mr Henderson.

I'll see you in court.

That, I take it, was Harry Brewster's victim?

Yeah, he's a very frightened one.

Still, after today, all his worries will be over.

You've heard, then, that I'm joining you in court today? I have.

Well, it shouldn't take long. Both of mine are open and shut cases.

So is mine.

You want something to read?

A beauty.

A cork on every page so far. Well, that should kill some time.

Oh.

when I'm sitting in the local pub waiting to be called on.

You should hang around in court if you can bear it, Tony. You pick up some

interesting stuff that way.

You think so? My dad does. He said it's better than the cinema, ain't she?

Be there today, will you? Oh, yes, he'll be there.

He said he'll hear my party piece, but if I know Dad, he'll suss out some nice

juicy rape or indecent assault in another court and he'll be out of the

before I'm out of the box.

Isn't it a waste of time?

You're still working on that payroll job?

Yeah, and one day.

like today, could make all the difference.

Join the club.

Why don't they plead guilty and get it over with?

Who? All of them.

Brewster, Burt Prendergast, that young tearaway in my case who robbed that old

woman. Guilty as hell, a lot of them. It's a farce. You're forgetting

aren't you?

Everyone is innocent until they're proved guilty.

They wouldn't be in the dock if they weren't guilty. Yeah, we absolutely got

to... I'm not going over there now, are you? Flutter my eyelashes.

Eh? Nothing.

Coming? Not before I have to.

Listen, just tell him to hold it till I get there, OK?

Thanks.

Has Prendergast agreed to plead?

On the brink, Johnson thinks.

Oh, please, God.

Big case, is it?

Don't you want to get away with it?

It couldn't be bigger.

Remember the Giorgione painting stolen from the Weinstein collection?

We haven't recovered it. We will, this afternoon.

Swoop starts at 12 .30.

Congratulations. Thanks.

Who'll take over the case if you don't get away?

Well, Croft, probably. He's had teeth for it. I can imagine.

When's the briefing?

11 .30.

I've asked Russell to hold it for me.

Simon. You won't leave me for long in the Brewster case.

Seen the victim lately?

What's left of him?

Brewster's counsel won't push him too hard, if he has any sense.

How long do you think you'll be in the witness box?

About half an hour.

I'm going next.

So, Bert Prentice, please, five minutes. Half an hour before I'm called in

Brewster.

Sly, you won't leave me for long, will you?

Have you out of the box in ten minutes.

And released?

Well, I can't see why not. It's only evidence of arrest, isn't it?

Promise?

For you, anything.

Am I late?

It's a nice time. Oh, you wouldn't believe the traffic.

Get your breath. Your case isn't first anywhere. Oh, thank God for that.

Here. How long do you reckon you'll be?

Oh, about an hour, I should think.

Bert Prentegast might plead.

Oh, Bert, never.

Hard case, is he?

He always gives them a run for their money.

Our money?

You're right there.

You lost me.

British taxpayer, Dad. He's on legal aid again.

I don't believe it. Bert will never plead. Oh, he will this time if he's got

sense. I nicked him myself.

I was just going off duty out to dinner, as it happened, and I got a tip -off.

Ma 'am, who do I see about my evidence?

Oh, you're in luck. It's Simon. He's looking after both of us. So you're in

hands. Both of us?

What, two cases on the same day?

Yes. I'm hoping Brewster's case will be here before lunch.

All right, I'll get a cup of tea.

I'll see you later.

Do you mean Harry Brewster might change his plea at the end of a prosecution

case?

When he sees the prime witness, yes.

Which is counsel?

A man called Ryan.

They haven't come up against him before.

Well, what did he say? I mean, about changing the plea?

Just, I'll see.

Oh.

Yeah, we'll have the judge with us, though, at Old Ransom.

He always gets through the list like a dose of salt.

You'll be through in about an hour, then. Good. Why?

It's sussed out a beauty upstairs.

Indecent assault.

Hardly worth coming down here, then, is it?

Well, might as well listen to your piece as well.

Don't stop at 11 .30.

Thanks, Dad.

What happened to the dinner?

What dinner?

The one you were going out to when you got the tip -off.

Did he wait for you?

No.

No, they never do understand, do they? They?

Outsiders. No.

We must get together sometime.

Swap hard luck stories.

Yes, let's.

Dinner?

If you'll risk being stood up.

Oh, I think so.

And a...

Of course, as long as we're not on the same case at the time. Yes, the defence

could make quite something out of that, couldn't it? Oh, influencing a witness.

Collusion. At least.

Well, if there ever is a time when we aren't... And we

both happen to be off duty at the time.

Look,

what about...

Albert Prendergast, you stand charged on this indictment on two counts.

Oi!

If

it please, Your

Honor.

If it please, Your Honor, if I may crave a moment.

Can you give me any idea of just how many moments, Mr. Johnson?

I very could not say, I'm afraid, Your Honor, if I may crave perhaps a short

adjournment.

We have a very heavy list, Mr. Johnson. I think we should proceed with the next

case.

As Your Honor pleases.

If, however, a convenient moment arises later.

I'm very much obliged, Your Honor.

Hard luck.

Well, I might still make it.

Harold Brewster, you stand charged on this indictment with causing grievous

bodily harm with intent contrary to Section 18 of the Offences Against the

Person Act 1861.

And the particulars of that offence are that you did on the 27th day of

September 1979 in the Spread Eagle Public House...

unlawfully and maliciously wound Robert Henderson with intent to do him some

grievous bodily harm.

I'll say you, guilty or not guilty?

Not guilty.

The father asked for it, so I let him have it. I didn't mean to hurt him, it

self -defence. You can't hold me on self -defence, so can I go now?

Did Mr Brewster read the statement?

He did.

And did he write the certificate at the end?

Yes, it's in his own handwriting, it reads as follows.

I have been shown the above statement.

I've been told I can correct, alter or add anything I wish. This statement is

true. I have made it of my own free will. It was duly signed by Mr Brewster.

Thank you, Detective Inspector.

Just one moment, Inspector.

There was just one point about your evidence that struck me.

The time.

I'm sorry.

The defendant commenced making this statement at 4 .23 a .m.

and concluded it at 4 .26.

That's right.

In three minutes?

Yes.

But, of course, the actual interview lasted considerably longer than that.

Yes. That commenced at 2 .19 a .m.

Yes.

And the incident, the affray in the public house during which the alleged

wounding took place...

occurred at about ten minutes past eleven the night before.

Yes. So, three hours had elapsed from the time of the alleged offence before

defendant was brought to the police station.

Yes.

Of course, you're well used to working at that hour of the night, aren't you,

Inspector?

Yes. More used to it than most of us, I should imagine.

And a young, healthy...

And if I may say so, a very attractive woman like yourself probably wakes each

morning alert, refreshed.

Whereas most of us are hardly likely to be at our best at that hour, are we?

Are we?

I'm sorry, I hadn't realised it was meant to be a question.

You prefer not to answer it, I'll not press it.

Perhaps you would like to rephrase your question, Mr. Ryan.

My point, Your Honor, is quite simply that my client, like many of us, is

at his best at two o 'clock in the morning.

It is a fairly self -evident point, Mr. Ryan.

I'm obliged, Your Honor.

So, having denied the charge for two hours,

my client suddenly capitulated and signed a confession.

That's right.

At 4 .23 a .m.

At 4 .10 a .m., the accused was offered and accepted a cup of tea.

A cup of tea.

Why did you offer my client a cup of tea, Inspector?

Because I was having one.

Ah.

Your statement doesn't mention that.

What exactly was said?

If I remember correctly, I think I said, would you like a cuppa? He accepted it?

Yes. Was this before or after he'd requested the cigarette?

Cigarette?

Ah.

There appears to be no reference to this incident in your statement, Inspector.

What incident? My client distinctly remembers asking for a cigarette during

interview and being given one just before he was about to make his

He may have done. He may have done. I don't remember.

Of course you don't.

Why, no, should you?

After all, no one can be expected to remember a thing like that after all

time, can they?

Unless, of course, they have a particular reason for remembering every

that interview, as my client has. It was a very long time... But then, of

course, that's the whole point of taking notes, isn't it, Inspector?

At the time when the incident is fresh in the memory.

We don't have to... Your statement is not accurate, is it?

We do not have to record giving a cigarette.

Only refreshments.

It's a very trivial point.

To you, perhaps.

Not to my client.

Not at that hour of the morning.

To a heavy smoker.

And certainly not in those circumstances.

Dragged out of bed, down to the station, forced to leave his wife... No force

was used. No.

Of course not, Inspector.

We all know that sort of thing doesn't happen in our police stations, does it?

The rubber hoses?

The knocking about?

No.

Of course there are degrees. If your client has any complaints to make, I

suggest he makes them through the proper channels so they can be properly

investigated.

But there are other ways of killing a cat than drowning it in cream, aren't

there?

Aren't there?

I'm sorry.

Would you like me to repeat the question again?

I didn't realise it was meant to be a question.

Again.

I see.

Did you offer my client a cream cake with that cup of tea and cigarette?

I'm afraid we don't run a luxury service.

No, I'm sure you don't.

Particularly at that hour of the morning.

Still, you must have been a very welcome cuppa.

After all, he'd been woken up, dragged out of his bed, brought... No force was

used. No, we've already established that, haven't we?

And we've also established that there are other ways of... shall we say,

persuading someone to do what we want them to do. We haven't established

anything of the sort.

I do beg your pardon.

I thought we had.

Perhaps the shorthand writer could read back the passage in question.

No, that won't be necessary. I remember the passage in question very well. You

were talking about cats and cream.

We haven't established that either has any connection with this case.

I think it's for his honour and the jury to say what has a connection with this

case.

However, if you would prefer, again, that I did not pursue that point, of

I won't.

Let's return to your very trivial point about the cigarette.

Of course, a man in the defendant's position at that hour of the morning is

vulnerable, isn't he?

Even something as trivial as a cigarette can assume great importance at that

hour. He'd sell his soul for a cigarette, anything.

I doubt it.

No, there are other things which would be even more important, aren't there?

A chance to see his wife, perhaps.

who's waiting at home, sick with worry.

But, of course, that's not possible, is it?

There are no visiting hours when you're interviewing a suspect.

A cigarette is a poor substitute, perhaps, but very welcome, Your Honour.

You have already established, I think, that a cigarette can be very welcome to

heavy smoker.

I'm obliged, Your Honour.

I'm delighted my point is established.

Inspector, if... Yes?

Oh, I do apologise.

I realise you have pressing business elsewhere, but I'm sure you'll

this is also very pressing for my client, a man who's been coerced into

a confession to a very serious crime. That's not true. I'm sorry. He wasn't

coerced into signing anything. Oh, very well, if you prefer it.

bribed, a man who's been... Bribed? You very distinctly say... With a cigarette?

We can't even be sure that it was just a cigarette, can we?

You've already admitted one error in your statement. There could well be

You could have offered him anything, for all we know. A cup of coffee... It's

not a question of... He won't touch our coffee. He says it always tastes like...

You're on a purely legal

point.

Yes, Mr. Ryan.

Members of the jury,

A purely legal point has arisen, and I must ask you to withdraw to the jury

for a moment while counsel address me.

On a purely legal point.

Chops and tomato sauce, members of the jury.

Chops and tomato sauce. Don't you think that's funny?

That's Mr Pickwick, love. You won't go far in this business without coming

across Mr Pickwick.

Why don't you go over and tell him about Mr Pickwick? Maybe he'd appreciate it.

Well, you can't win them all, Maggie.

Yeah, but let him off. Just because I was... I still don't get it. Just

she said that about the coffee.

He'd been down to the station before, hadn't he?

So he's got form, see?

And once the jury knows that...

But he hasn't got any form.

No one would testify against him before. No, he's been fussed.

That's all Ryan needed.

If he hadn't pulled this off, he'd have been on to police harassment.

Have to hand it to him.

Oh, I'd like to hand it to him.

I'd like to.

That jumped -up smart -aleck ever happens to be on a pedestrian crossing

drive up, so help me. Nice to have met you, Inspector.

Sorry about that.

I'd arrange protection for Henderson, if I were you.

Thanks, sir.

Another moment?

If it please, Your Honor.

I think not, Mr. Johnson.

As it please, Your Honor.

Should another convenient moment arise, I'm much obliged, Your Honor.

I'll get on with Robert's now.

There goes your briefing.

Well, I might still make the truth if Russell will hold that for me.

Yes, sir, I know.

I couldn't be more sorry.

Look, sir, I'm sure that I'll be away by one if you could hold it until then.

I swear by almighty God that the evidence I shall give shall be the

old truth, and nothing but the truth.

Your name is Bertha Hennessy?

Yes. And you live at 27 Mimosa Gardens, East 17th?

Yes.

Could you keep your voice up a little, Mrs. Hennessy?

All these people, you see, have to hear everything you say.

Mrs. Hennessy? Yes?

If you would like to sit down, please do so.

At any time.

Thank you, Your Worship.

Not at all.

Do you live in a house, Mother Penelope, or a flat?

Flat. Council.

Do you live alone?

Yes.

You're a widow?

Yes. Ten years now.

Have you any children?

Well, there's Michael and Susan, but they've gone now.

Gone? Got married.

So you live there alone?

That's right.

You will remember to keep your voice up, won't you?

I'm sorry.

I said that's right.

Now, Mr. Tennessee, have you ever heard of a company called the We Treat You

Right Electrical Company?

I bought the dryer there, didn't I? The tumble dryer?

Yes. I see. I don't like going round to the laundromat, you see.

I see. I mean, all them...

All them people, you never know where their things have been, do you? I know

they say they change the water every time, but you can't be sure, can you? I

mean, there's no guarantee, is there?

About the tumble dryer... I've got this little twin tub, see?

It's old, but it works a treat.

Only don't get things dry, really, just damp.

I used to hang them out over the bath, but it got a bit hard with me arthritis.

So my Michael says to me, Mummy says it's about time you had a proper dryer,

make things easier for you. So he gave me the money. He's doing very well. He

got a promotion. Mrs.

Hennepin. Yes?

You told us you bought the tumble dryer. It's a new place, you see, this shop.

Only opened recently.

Hasn't been there... Well, when you say you bought it...

I don't suppose you were going to carry it home?

Well, they were going to deliver it, weren't they?

So, you went to the shop and you chose the one you wanted. Is that right?

Yes. Do you remember how much it cost?

Oh, a lot.

A lot of money. Nearly 80 quid. Was it 77 pounds 45 piece?

About that.

Yes, we will be hearing from the manager of the store, Your Honour.

So, what arrangement did you make with the shop about paying for it?

It was COD, didn't I?

That's cash on delivery.

That's right.

And was it delivered, Mrs. Hennessey? Yes.

Right. Now, what time did he bring it?

Who?

I'm sorry, I'll rephrase the question.

What time did the tumble dryer arrive?

Well, it was after lunch, wasn't it? I know, because... Now, who brought the

tumble dryer, Mrs. Hennessey?

Who brought the tumble dryer?

Bertha.

I beg your pardon?

Everybody calls me Bertha.

Very well, Bertha.

Who brought the tumble dryer?

Well, the young man, didn't he?

Did you know his name? No.

Do you see him in court now?

Yes. I'm sorry?

Yes, I do.

Where?

I think the witness did indicate the defendant, Your Honour. I think so too,

Fox.

You mean the young man sitting over there, Mrs Hennessy?

Bertha?

I'm sorry.

I beg your pardon?

Calling you Your Worship.

I didn't understand.

I get a bit confused.

That's quite all right, Mrs Hennessy.

I've never been in one of these places before, you see.

It's quite all right, Bertha.

We all understand.

Be confused.

Yes. But you're not confused about who delivered the tumble dryer, are you?

No.

It was him.

The defendant, the young man in the dock?

Yes. Right.

Now, Bertha, will you tell his honour and the jury, and you will remember to

keep your voice up, won't you?

exactly what happened when he delivered the tumble dryer.

Well, I was in the kitchen after lunch, washing up, and the bell went, and I

remember thinking, that must be the man from the electric sock, because I wasn't

expecting anyone else. So I went to the door, and there he was with the machine.

And I says, you'd better come in into the kitchen. There isn't much room

but it's the best place there is. And he took the box off, and we plugged in. It

seemed to go all right, and then he went.

Is that all that happened?

What?

You said he brought the machine into the kitchen, you plugged it in, and then he

went. Yes.

Didn't anything else happen?

You mean, did I give him the money?

Yes, Bertha. Well, I had it right there, didn't I?

And did you give it to him? And Michael knew how much they cost.

So you had it in cash?

Of course I did.

And did you give it to him? Of course I did.

Did he give you a receipt?

No. Did you ask for one? Of course I did.

And what did he say?

He said he'd write the receipt while I got the money from the bedroom. I don't

leave it lying around in the kitchen. So when in the bedroom I got the money, I

come out and I give it to him. And I says, where's my receipt?

He says it's on the table.

And then he went.

And that's the last I saw of him.

And was the receipt on the table?

No, it wasn't. The guarantee was, but not the receipt.

And you didn't see him again?

No. But the next thing that happened was the manager of the shop rang me up. I

don't know his name. And he said, Mrs.

Hennessy, when are you coming in to pay this money? It's strictly COD. Yes,

thank you, Bertha.

Thank you.

Mrs...

Hennessy, you said that when the tumble dryer arrived, he, the defendant, took

the box off and plugged it in. Do you remember saying that?

Yes.

Was there a plug attached to the machine when it arrived?

No.

So where did the plug come from?

Well, I had a couple of spares, didn't I? Ah.

So you put it on while he was there?

I wouldn't know how.

You mean the defendant fitted on a plug for you?

Well, how was I to know it worked proper if it wasn't plugged in?

That was very kind of him, wasn't it?

Well, it's his job.

No, Mrs. Hennessy, it is not.

He had other deliveries to make. It held him up, I suppose.

So it was kind of him to wait and give you a hand, wasn't it?

I suppose so.

Yes.

Now, you said you went into the bedroom for the money. How long were you in the

bedroom?

Yes. Oh, about a couple of minutes.

Long enough for him to write a receipt, if that's what you mean.

So it wasn't just sitting there on the table.

Of course it wasn't sitting there on the table. I don't leave money like that

lying around.

And very wise, too.

It was quite a big sum, wasn't it? In cash.

77 pounds and 45 pence. Where was it, Mrs. Hennessy?

Under the floorboards.

I'm afraid I must ask you to speak up, Mrs. Hennessy.

I don't think anyone here is going to burgle you.

I hid it under the floorboards, but I keep it in a different place now.

Keep what, Mrs. Hennessy?

My money, of course.

This money? This?

Seventy -seven pounds, forty -five pence?

What do you mean?

You never gave the defendant that money, did you?

Of course I did.

You came back into the kitchen and said you didn't have it, didn't you? No. And

that you'd drop into the shop later and pay, didn't you? No, that isn't true.

You're quite sure of that, Mrs. Hennessy? Quite sure. What should I want

thing like that for?

Quite sure.

Quite sure. I see.

Mrs. Hennessy, do you own a dog?

A dog? Yes, a dog.

No, of course not.

You're quite sure?

Quite sure.

You are saying there was no dog in your flat the day the defendant came with the

tumble dryer?

No.

Oh, well, there might have been.

Might have been.

Well, sometimes... Sometimes what?

Sometimes I'll look after my son's dog when they're away, like, just for a day

or two.

What sort of a dog is it, Mrs. Hennessy?

Well, I don't know much about dogs.

Big?

This high?

Small? Small.

Quite small.

Oh, very small.

And it might have been there that day.

It might have been.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Hennessy.

Members of the jury, this may be a convenient moment for you to adjourn for

lunch. There is one matter I have to deal with which does not concern you.

Call Albert Prendergast.

No, sir, it's definite this time.

I shall be finished in ten minutes.

And the particulars of that offence are that on the 16th day of October 1979,

you took a Volkswagen motor car, registration number TYR324S, for your

use, without the consent of the owner thereof or other lawful authority.

How say you? Guilty or not guilty?

How say you?

Guilty.

The second count charges you with handling stolen goods, contrary to

of the Theft Act 1968.

And the particulars of that offence are that on the 16th day of October 1979,

you dishonestly received stolen goods, namely one canteen of cutlery, one

mantle clock, one string of pearls belonging to Harold Smethurst, knowing

believing the same to have been stolen.

How say you, Albert Prendergast? Are you guilty or not guilty?

Well, it's like this, Your Honor. I didn't do it. But he says I've got to

did.

Are we to understand that you wish to plead not guilty?

That's right.

To both charges?

Yeah.

So be it.

Your Honor, concerning the release of the witnesses... I think not, Mr. Pratt.

We have wasted enough time on this case already today.

Particularly that of police witnesses, whose time is especially valuable.

I would prefer not to trouble them again tomorrow.

Two o 'clock.

What is all that about?

Why, you call it on this afternoon, after we finish.

Well, that's that.

Yep, that's the ball game.

Well, it's different in America.

They don't go in for all this stuff.

They just shoot everyone.

Only one got a five -peat piece.

Russell.

Dad?

Do you know what time it is? Yes, sir, I do.

All over in ten minutes, you said. That was an hour ago.

Yes, well, you know what it's like here at lunchtime. There's everyone trying to

use the phone at once. Well, where are you?

I'm at the dock week.

Yeah? And what happened with Brewster? You didn't delay the swoop, did you,

What do you think? Have they called in yet?

Well, hardly. They only left half an hour ago.

Oh, I am sorry.

But you were so certain you were going to be back, weren't you? Yes, I was,

honestly. Oh, if they get there too late, I know to blame, won't I? Sir, I

try to phone you, and when I did, you weren't there. Yeah, all right. So

happening? He changed his mind again.

Bert Prendergast. He's been in and out of the dock all morning. His brief's

going berserk.

So when will you be back?

What, does it matter now?

Of course it bloody matters. I need you here, up to me neck. When will you be

back? I don't know.

What do you mean you don't know?

Prendergast's up now, isn't he? No, the judge was so angry he's holding it back

until Tony's case is finished.

Will that take long?

Well, it might.

Now, how long did Brewster go down for? There's something wrong there, sir. I

don't know. I don't think she's telling the truth.

The old woman who says she's been robbed. There's something about her. I

it is.

Imagine about the wrong things. Maggie.

Something might come out in the defence.

I mean, if his brief knows what he's doing, which I doubt, now if that boy

Ryan defending him... Ryan? Ryan? Who's Ryan?

What?

Maggie, have you been drinking? Oh, good luck.

Eh? No, sir.

Now, look, if you're talking about Tony's case, forget it. I'm only

in Brewster.

There's somebody wanting to use the phone. I'll be back as soon as I can,

Thank you. You saved my life.

So is this.

But you told the people about it, didn't you?

And she says, oh, yes, that's different.

They're not people.

What did Russell say?

Oh, they'd all wait until the last possible moment because I was so sure

there. But if they arrived too late to pull off the rail, it'd be all my fault.

Did you tell him about Harry and Bruce getting off again?

Not in quite the moment.

Well, you'll have to tell him sometime, won't you?

Yes, Charlie, I will.

Yep, Maggie.

I was telling them about my indecent assault.

This will make you laugh.

She won't tell him, you see, what the man did to her.

Or what he said.

So there's your bloke, standing there, egg all over his face. No case to

right? Right.

So then the judge wakes up.

And he leans forward and he says, Can I be of any assistance?

And your bloke says, Oh, your honour, you've bloody saved my life, or worse,

that effect.

So the judge, he tells the woman, and he says, Madam, he says, did he say so

-and -so?

And did he do so -and -so?

Now, that's leading questions, isn't it? That's questions you're not supposed to

ask.

We're not.

Judges seem to get away with it.

Tony, how did she strike you when you interviewed her?

Who? The old woman. Do you think she was telling the truth?

What old woman?

The one in Tony's cat.

What's worrying you, eh?

I don't know.

Something is.

Woman's intuition?

Well, it takes one to know one, I suppose.

Salma, what did you make of her?

Well, she wasn't shaken in cross -examination.

Oh, that man couldn't shake a carpet.

Well, everyone's nervous in court.

She was more than just nervous. She was frightened.

Tony, you interviewed her at home?

Yeah. Why?

Did she have a dog?

I don't remember one.

Did you go into every room?

Just the kitchen and living room.

So there could have been one shot in the bed?

Well, it could have been.

You won't allow dogs in most council flats, will you?

Oh, I mean, if the council heard about it, she might have to get rid of them.

She's not to know we want to.

Poor old girl.

What?

So you put the plug on for her and you switched on the machine.

Then what happened?

About the money, you mean? About the money.

Well, she said she'd get it, and then she went out the room.

And what did you do?

Oh, I waited for her to come back.

Yes, yes, but... Did you do anything while you were waiting?

Oh, you mean write a receipt?

Yes.

Well, I couldn't, could I? Why not?

Well, I couldn't find me pen, or...

I must have left it at the last place. I was going to ask her for one when she

came back.

And did you?

No. Why not?

Well, because when she came back, she didn't have the money.

What did she say?

She made a mistake. She didn't have it after all.

And she was going to call in at the shop and pay.

And did you accept that?

I had to, yeah.

Do you often do that?

I mean...

Leave goods with customers when they haven't paid for them?

Well, no, I mean, it hasn't happened before.

I mean, I didn't know. It was all unpacked and I put the plug on and... We

have lost the sale if we'd have taken it back. I wasn't sure what the boss would

want. Did you think to telephone him?

No, that never occurred to me.

Anyway, she probably weren't on the phone.

Yeah, besides... Besides what?

Well, there was this dog, see, in the kitchen while I was waiting.

While Mrs. Hennessy was out of the room?

Yeah.

What sort of a dog was it?

I don't know what they're called, do I? A big dog?

Yeah, very big. It had black spots all over.

A Dalmatian?

Well, I don't know.

That's a very big dog.

Well, right, and it was a small room, see?

And every time it moved, it knocked into me.

It kept going for me. You mean it was savage?

Trying to attack you?

Well, I don't know about attack me.

It just kept... jumping at me, that's all. Were you afraid of it?

Well, at first, yeah, a bit nervous.

I mean, it was too big, right, to be kept up in a little room like that.

So you didn't want to hang around any longer than you had to?

No, I wanted to get out as soon as I could.

And did you?

Yeah.

Without the money?

Yeah.

Thank you.

Simon, that broad.

They didn't have it to other houses that morning, did they?

That's right.

Townsend and Fredcastle.

Two television sets, a dishwasher and a washing machine, right?

So?

If only we wanted to take the money. Why not from one of those? They're far more

valuable.

Well, maybe none of the other houses. They're just an old lady on her own.

Simon, have you seen Fredcastle anywhere?

Try the pub.

It's closed.

Cafeteria, then? I have.

Townsend and Fredcastle. Damn!

I know she's hiding something.

It's the dog, Maggie.

I know something else.

Cheer up. They might acquit him.

The counsel in Roberts' jury is back.

After ten minutes?

David Roberts.

The jury has found you guilty of theft.

It was a particularly mean, despicable crime.

and I sentence you to six months' imprisonment.

How about it?

As you have no previous criminal record, I shall suspend that sentence for two

years.

That means that if you are guilty of no further offence during the next

two years, that term of imprisonment will not be imposed.

If, however, you are convicted of any offence which is punishable with

imprisonment, this sentence will be considered at that time

and may be added to any further term which the court may then impose.

Do you understand what I'm saying?

Hey, what's the hurry? I'd like a word with Mr. Why Bother Sharp.

You can't do that.

He could have got that boy off.

Professional etiquette, remember? Oh, stop professional etiquette.

Mr. Sharp. Hmm?

Did you think that boy was guilty?

That old woman, she was lying, wasn't she?

Yes. Why?

Never know now, will we?

Couldn't you have got it out of her on cross -examination? Got what out of her?

That's your job, isn't it, to find out?

And put the jury on her side even more than they were. Well, there must have

been some way of finding out exactly. We aren't private detectives, you know.

You might take the elementary trouble to... You lot arrested him, remember?

Mrs. Sharp, we can all make mistakes.

Can I have that in writing?

Well, there must be something that we can do. We?

I could put a report into the DPP.

Thought you lot had better things to do. You could appeal, couldn't you? Against

a suspended sentence.

Look, the boy's lost his job.

What chance has he of getting another?

And he's got four now, and you know what that means as well as I do.

Do you know how much an appeal costs?

Well, isn't it worth it?

For 77 pounds, 45 pence.

Bloody believe it.

Believe what?

That Pentecost's gone home.

Oh, he put up a good story.

They got him on the phone, then?

Johnson did.

As he didn't understand, you see, what the judge meant about calling it on this

afternoon. We thought he'd go home, get in a bit of gardening.

Being as I was such a lovely dad.

Is it?

He'll be here tomorrow.

10 .30 on the dot. Word of honour.

That goes for me too, then.

Yes, but at least that'll keep you out of Russell's way.

You coming, Maggie?

Oh, well, you said that.

Indecent assault all over?

Yeah.

His wife I feel sorry for.

Found him guilty, then?

Yeah.

You know, one moment I was enjoying court, when the bloke's been swearing

in the face all through he didn't do it, and they find him guilty, and then he's

had 47 previous convictions.

And then all the faces of the jury light up, because they know, then, that they

was right.

But not this time?

First time he'd ever done it. Or got caught.

How long did he get?

Fifteen months.

I mean, what did he tell the kids?

He won't be seeing your dad for a bit.

He's been cod for touching up a woman in a pub.

Well, he shouldn't have done it in the first place, should he?

Well, it wasn't the wife's fault, was it?

Might have been.

Maybe she didn't give him what he wanted all those years.

Oh, well, I don't know about you lot, but I've got better things to do.

Come on, baby.

I'd better get back to the station. I can't put it off any longer.

Maggie, do.

What's Aunt Bertha doing in these parts?

Bertha? Yeah.

You haven't caught up with her at last, have you? Yeah, I must go and see her.

You know her, Dad.

Know her?

Oh, we all knew her in the market.

She used to live near there till she got rehoused.

Aladdin's Cave, we called her a place.

Why?

Well, she had this little trick, you see.

She'd go into a shop... Furniture, electrical, anything she fancied.

story each time.

And all of a sudden, it was COD.

And then when it was delivered, surprise, surprise, she hadn't got any

So she'd pay later.

And did she?

Come off it.

Me? Oh, I gave the money to the lad that brought it.

Well, it's one way to fight inflation.

And she got away with it.

It's not worth their time taking it to court, is it? The store managers.

They'd just write it off as a bad debt and sack the delivery boy.

God, how often has this happened?

You haven't really caught up to her, have you?

Oh, but we're going to.

I'm sorry, Dad. I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to accompany me to the

stage. No, wait a minute. To assist us in our inquiry. Yeah, but I like her.

Look, you can't call it being.

She was not the fly.

She's never done no one no harm. Well, she has now.

Didn't you notice all that stuff in her place?

Well, it's all right to talk when you know all about it. You've got eyes in

head, haven't you? Well, have a go at it.

Anyway, she said that son of hers was always giving her things.

Son? She hadn't got a son. Not old Bertha.

They never had no kids.

Just a bloomin' great spotted dog.

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